From Sorrento: Amalfi Coast Small Group Boat Day Tour
Imagine gliding along one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastlines, with salt air, scenic vistas, and charming towns unfolding around you. That’s exactly what this Amalfi Coast Small Group Boat Day Tour offers—without the hassle of navigating crowded streets or expensive private yachts. If you’re in Sorrento and craving a relaxing, yet visually stunning escape, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.
What we love about this experience is the chance to see the coast from the water—an entirely different perspective that captures its rugged beauty and vibrant colors. Plus, it’s a small group, capped at just 12 participants, which makes for a more intimate and flexible experience. The opportunity to swim, snorkel, and enjoy fresh fruit and drinks onboard adds to the laid-back, authentic vibe. That said, keep in mind that the tour isn’t ideal if you prefer a private experience or if you’re sensitive to wind and choppy waters. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who want a mix of scenic beauty, light adventure, and cultural exploration.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Stunning Coastal Views: Experience the Amalfi Coast from the water, capturing vistas you can’t get from land.
- Visit Iconic Towns: Ample free time in Positano and Amalfi allows for wandering, shopping, and soaking up local atmosphere.
- Swim and Snorkel: Take advantage of swimming stops and explore underwater life with included snorkeling gear.
- Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
- All-Inclusive Drinks: Enjoy seasonal fruit, soft drinks, beer, and a bottle of prosecco, making the trip feel like a celebration.
- Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable skippers and an English-speaking assistant make navigation and local insights effortless.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sorrento.
Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect
This tour is a well-organized balance between cruising, stops, and free time. The day begins at Piazza Marinai d’Italia in Sorrento, where a team member greets you, wearing a T-shirt with the MBS logo, ensuring a smooth start. From there, you’ll board a spacious boat that promises a comfortable journey—an important consideration, especially on a full 8-hour day when sun and wind can add up.
The Cruise Begins: Panoramic Water Views
The first leg of the journey takes about 1.5 hours on a speedboat, giving you ample time to settle in and take in the scenery. We loved the way this part offers a gradual introduction—glimpses of the coastline, the marine reserve of Punta Campanella, and the islet of Vervece. The boat glides past Nerano, Praiano, and Conca dei Marini, giving travelers a taste of the coast’s diverse landscapes without the need to navigate busy roads.
Majestic Stops and Scenic Passes
As you cruise, you’ll pass by several notable sites, such as Crapolla, a tranquil spot known for its historical church, and the Fiordo di Furore, famous for its dramatic fjord and small beach. These moments give your camera a workout, with rugged cliffs, colorful houses, and shimmering waters around every bend. Passing by these sites makes it clear why many travelers find the coast so captivating from the water.
More Great Tours NearbyAmalfi and Positano: The Towns
The highlight for many is the time allocated in Amalfi and Positano—each about 1.5 hours. The tour provides a guided visit or free time to stroll, shop, and enjoy the local charm. Reviewers consistently note the value of this unhurried window to explore. One commenter pointed out that the free time in Amalfi and Positano allowed a leisurely walk and shopping, which they highly recommend.
Amalfi, with its historic cathedral and bustling streets, offers a genuine taste of southern Italy. Meanwhile, Positano charms visitors with its steep, narrow streets, pastel-colored houses, and boutique shops. Walking through these towns provides a stark contrast to the calm of the boat, giving travelers a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Refreshing Breaks: Swimming and Snorkeling
The boat makes a few stops for swimming and snorkeling, roughly 45 minutes at the end of the day. The water here is famously clear, and the included snorkel gear makes it accessible for beginners. One review enthusiastically praised the two swimming spots as “really nice,” emphasizing how these breaks add a sense of adventure and refreshment.
Final Cruise and Return
After the towns, the boat heads back along the coast, passing by Furore, Conca dei Marini, and other scenic spots, before a second 1.5-hour cruise back to Sorrento. Many guests enjoy this peaceful return trip, often with drinks and snacks in hand, appreciating the chance to relax and absorb the scenery.
The Experience in Detail: What Makes it Special
The Boat and Crew
The boat itself offers ample space—crucial for comfort during an 8-hour trip—along with restrooms and showers. Life jackets are provided, and the crew, including a professional skipper and an English-speaking assistant, make safety and navigation stress-free. We appreciated the knowledgeable guidance and friendly attitude, which helped us feel more like guests than just passengers.
Food and Drinks
Included in the tour are seasonal fruit, soft drinks, beer, and prosecco. This casual refreshment service is a real plus, allowing travelers to toast the coast or simply hydrate while enjoying the views. The reviews highlight how much guests enjoyed the free-flowing drinks—adding a celebratory touch to the day.
Additional Amenities
For those interested in underwater exploration, scuba masks are included, making it easy to see marine life at your swimming stops. The boat also has a restroom and a shower with fresh water, essential for staying comfortable after swimming.
Pricing and Value
At roughly $168 per person, this tour offers a lot of value considering the full day on the water, visits to two iconic towns, swimming opportunities, and all drinks included. The small group size enhances the experience, avoiding the crowds typical of larger tours and allowing for more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
What’s Not Included
While this tour covers most basics, a few things are extra—namely, hotel pickup and drop-off (you’ll meet at the Sorrento meeting point), and lunch, which you might want to bring or plan to eat in one of the towns. There’s also a €10 embarkation fee payable at the start, a standard charge for marine excursions.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed but scenic day with minimal hassle. It suits those who enjoy beautiful vistas from the water, want to visit popular towns without the stress of driving, and appreciate snorkeling or swimming as part of their adventure. The small group setting makes it perfect for families, couples, or small groups of friends who want a more intimate experience.
However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a private experience, this might not be suitable. Also, since the tour is weather-dependent, it’s best to be flexible in case of cancellations due to wind or storms.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This Amalfi Coast boat tour from Sorrento offers a compelling mix of scenic beauty, cultural exposure, and light adventure. The stunning coastal views, combined with the chance to explore Positano and Amalfi at a relaxed pace, make for a memorable day. The inclusion of drinks, fruit, and snorkeling gear enhances the value, giving travelers a comfortable, engaging experience without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a way to see the coast from a different perspective—with plenty of time for swimming and exploring—this tour provides all that and more. It’s especially perfect for those wanting a small-group, laid-back day with knowledgeable guides and stunning photo opportunities.
FAQ
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this small group tour fills up, so booking ahead ensures you get a spot. You can reserve without paying immediately, offering flexibility.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, you meet directly at the designated spot in Sorrento. The meeting point is in front of the Restaurant Ruccio at Marina Piccola.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. These essentials will help you stay comfortable during the day.
Are children allowed?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t suitable for unaccompanied minors.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour might be canceled if weather conditions are poor. In that case, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Is there an age limit?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is generally suitable for most ages, but unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Check with the provider if you have specific concerns.
This Amalfi Coast boat tour combines the best of Italy’s coastal scenery, charming towns, and relaxed adventure. Whether you’re after postcard-perfect views or a fun day swimming and exploring, it’s a memorable way to experience the coast’s true spirit.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Sorrento
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